Small-Space Gardening: Why Less Can Mean More (And How to Do It Right)

When my family moved from a cramped Brussels apartment to a coastal Maine home with a third of an acre, we dreamed of sprawling vegetable beds, overflowing harvests, and a garden that could feed us year-round. What we didn’t expect? Sometimes, the biggest growth happens when you go small.

In a world obsessed with “bigger is better,” the quiet revolution of small-space gardening is proving that less land doesn’t mean less impact. Whether you’re a city dweller with a balcony, a suburbanite with a postage-stamp yard, or simply someone tired of maintaining a massive plot, scaling down might be your best move yet. This isn’t about limitation—it’s about intention, efficiency, and redefining what a “productive” garden looks like.

Inspired by a recent Washington Post column where a gardener traded expansion for focus, we’re diving into the art, science, and sheer joy of growing more in less space. Spoiler: You don’t need a farm to feed your family—or your soul.